Budget approved by Lancashire County Council

As part of the budget, Full Council agreed that Council Tax should be increased by 2.99% plus a 3% increase specifically for adult social care.

The budget has been designed to protect front-line services, especially for vulnerable members of society.

This will be done by future-proofing improvements to critical services for the most in need in our communities.

A number of savings were identified as part of the process and consultations will now take place where service users could be affected.

County Councillor Geoff Driver CBE, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "The council is committed to providing the best services it can to the people of Lancashire, particular to the most vulnerable in our communities.

"However the council's financial position remains extremely challenging, with a forecasted funding gap of £144.084 in 2021/22.

"This has meant that tough decisions have had to be made to balance the books. This is not unique to Lancashire and many other local authorities are also having to make hard choices.

"I am pleased though that we have been able to make many improvements over the past year, including reopening libraries and supporting bus services in the county.

"The council also plans to spend a further £5m next year on road repairs, something which we know is important to the county's residents and businesses.

"We are working very hard with our staff to ensure that we can continue to provide vital services for people, and we have put in an extra £25m for vulnerable adults and children to ensure the safeguarding of those members of society."